Bathing your dog regularly is a general pet care need that helps keep the dog’s skin and coat healthy. Bathing removes physical dirt, unpleasant odor, and hair scales and debris. This article provides answers to some of the common questions that you may encounter while you prepare your dog for bathing.

The Right Time

Bathe your dog when necessary, that is when you get an unpleasant odor or see dirt on the fur. Bathing your dog too frequently may cause dryness of the skin coat and skin-related problems. The skin releases natural oils that protect it from infections; frequent bathing removes these oils from the skin surface, leading to irritation and dry skin. For most of the dogs, bathing once a month works well.

The Right Place

Bathing outdoors on a bright sunny day is always preferred as it helps your dog to dry faster. Further, injuries due to slippery floors can be prevented.

The Right Kind of Shampoo

Use shampoos that are specifically meant for dogs as a dog’s skin is sensitive and requires shampoos with a specific pH. A patch test will help determine which shampoo suits well for your dog. To do a patch test, apply a small amount of shampoo on a small area and wait for a few minutes. Observe for any symptoms of irritation or allergic reaction. If there are no such symptoms, continue using the shampoo

Preparing Your Dog for a Bath...

1. Take your dog for a walk before bathing, so that he/she is not hyperactive during bathing.
2. Wet your dog by gently sprinkling water on different parts of the body. You may even reward your dog with dry pet food for calm and good behavior before/while bathing.
3. Introduce pet bath materials like towels, shampoo, and buckets to your dog before bathing.
4. Handle your dog gently. Rough or improper handling creates an unpleasant bathing memory.

Making Bathing an Enjoyable Experience for Your Dog...

1. Trim or brush your dogʼs fur beforehand as it helps prepare the fur for a bath.
2. Use lukewarm water and start from the neck and the back, and not from the head.
3. Apply shampoo after the body is wet (remember to do a patch test before using a shampoo). Massage different areas of the body gently; this will help your pet to calm down a bit.
4. Ensure water gets through the coat.
5. Apply a conditioner and rinse again.
6. Use a soft towel to wipe off the excess water and then air dry gently.
7. Reward your dog with treats in the beginning and at the end of the bathing process.